Crane Flies: Not Giant Mosquitoes

Updated: May 4, 2019

Crane Fly

Crane flies tend to get a bad reputation because of their close resemblance to giant mosquitoes. This insect is not a mosquito species, but rather a species of fly belonging to the family Tipulidae which are harmless as adults.

Life Cycle

Crane flies undergo complete metamorphosis with an egg, larval, pupal and adult stage. This fly normally overwinters in the larval or pupal stage in moist soil, damp decaying vegetation or underwater. Adults live a few days and are normally active in the spring and fall depending on the species.

Habits

The larva of some species feed on decayed plant vegetation or roots. Other species live in streams and feed on decaying vegetation. Some of these stream inhabiting larva do feed on aquatic insects.

Adults are active at night or shady areas during the day. The adults normally do not feed, but some species may feed on nectar. Since the adults only live for a few days, the main purpose of the adults are to reproduce and lay eggs for the next generation.

Control

The larva of this insect occasionally could cause damage to turf in poorly drained lawns, but often do not get to the numbers that require treatment. No control is needed for adults. If they make their way indoors, they can easily be caught in a cup and released outside. If these insects become a nuisance at your home or business, exterior lighting can be switched to sodium vapor bulbs or yellow bulbs to decrease the attractiveness.

If you have additional questions or would like additional assistance dealing with a pest issue at your home or business in Knoxville, Tennessee, call Epituer Pest Solutions, LLC at 865-363-1155 or contact us online.